Giants' grave of S'Ena'e Thomes
Facts and practical information
The Giants' grave of S'Ena'e Thomes is an ancient burial site that stands as a testament to the Nuragic civilization, which once flourished on the island of Sardinia, Italy. This archaeological site, dating back to the Bronze Age, is a remarkable example of the collective tombs known as "Tombe dei Giganti" or "Giants' graves," which are found throughout the island.
S'Ena'e Thomes, located near Dorgali in Sardinia, is characterized by a large central stele, a towering stone slab that marks the entrance to the tomb. This impressive megalith, reaching several meters in height, is flanked by a crescent-shaped exedra of smaller stones that enclose the burial chamber. The chamber itself, constructed with precise stone masonry, extends into the earth, creating a subterranean space where the Nuragic people once interred their dead.
The Giants' graves are so named for their monumental size and the mythological belief that they were the final resting places of mythical giants. S'Ena'e Thomes is one of the most well-preserved and accessible examples of these prehistoric structures, offering a window into the funerary practices and beliefs of the Nuragic culture.
Sardinia